Concrete consolidating and smoothing means for inserter apparatus

ABSTRACT

A concrete consolidating and smoothing means for inserter apparatus of the type which is movable over an expanse of plastic concrete and which includes inserter means to embed an elongated strip of joint material in the concrete at a predetermined depth. The consolidating and smoothing means comprises a first pan which is adapted to ride upon the surface of the concrete in trailing relation to the inserter means, and further comprises a second pan having a trailing portion adapted to ride upon the surface of the concrete in trailing relation to the first pan for smoothing the concrete surface. Vibration means are coupled to the first pan for vibrating the concrete to consolidate the concrete about the embedded strip, and the rate of vibration is adjustable. The first pan can be vibrated at a relatively high rate to effect good consolidation without affecting the capability of the second pan to achieve smoothing. The second pan is preferably mounted to the first pan by vibration isolation means so that vibration of the first pan is generally isolated from the second pan. The second pan preferably includes lateral portions extending along opposite sides of the first pan to confine any relatively fluid concrete produced by vibration of the first pan and prevent it from flowing away, as would be the case on a slope. The relative lack of vibration of the second pan enables it to be used as the level sensor for coupling to the control means which controls the vertical position of the joint insertion means. The movements of the first pan induced by the type of vibration means utilized causes the pan to travel in first and upward and forward direction, followed by downward and rearward movement and impact with the concrete surface. The pan thus has a stepping or creeping action rather than a dragging or sliding action upon the concrete surface. The consolidating action is enhanced by provision of variable rate vibration means upon the inserter means also.

United States Patent Rasmussen May 30, 1972 [54] CONCRETE CONSOLIDATING AND SMOOTHING MEANS FOR INSERTER APPARATUS Primary Examiner-Jacob L. Nackenoff Attorney-Fulwider, Patton, Rieber, Lee & Utecht 57 ABSTRACT A concrete consolidating and smoothing means for inserter apparatus of the type which is movable over an expanse of plastic concrete and which includes inserter means to embed an elongated strip of joint material in the concrete at a predetermined depth. The consolidating and smoothing means comprises a first pan which is adapted to ride upon the surface of the concrete in trailing relation to the inserter means, and further comprises a second pan having a trailing portion adapted to ride upon the surface of the concrete in trailing relation to the first pan for smoothing the concrete surface. Vibration means are coupled to the first pan for vibrating the concrete to consolidate the concrete about the embedded strip, and the rate of vibration is adjustable. The first pan can be vibrated at a relatively high rate to effect good consolidation without affecting the capability of the second pan to achieve smoothing. The second pan is preferably mounted to the first pan by vibration isolation means so that vibration of the first pan is generally isolated from the second pan. The second pan preferably includes lateral portions extending along opposite sides of the first pan to confine any relatively fluid concrete produced by vibration of the first pan and prevent it from flowing away, as would be the case on a slope. The relative lack of vibration of the second pan enables it to be used as the level sensor for coupling to the control means which controls the vertical position of the joint insertion means.

The movements of the first pan induced by the type of vibration means utilized causes the pan to travel in first and upward and forward direction, followed by downward and rearward movement and impact with the concrete surface. The pan thus has a stepping or creeping action rather than a dragging or sliding action upon the concrete surface. The consolidating action is enhanced by provision of variable rate vibration means upon the inserter means also.

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glimlw Irma/vars CONCRETE CONSOLIDATING AND SMOOTHING MEANS FOR INSERTER APPARATUS CROSS-REFERENCES The consolidating and smoothing means of the present invention is generally related to the corresponding means forming a part of the apparatus described in U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 51,219, filed June 30, 1970, and entitled Method and Apparatus for Insertion of Joint Material in Plastic Concrete". That apparatus is operative to insert joint strip material in plastic concrete, being different primarily in the type of concrete consolidating and smoothing means utilized and in the character of vibration of the inserter means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the lnvention The present invention relates generally to a concrete consolidating and smoothing means for use in combination with inserter apparatus movable over an expanse of plastic concrete and including inserter means to embed an elongated strip of joint material in the concrete at a predetermined depth.

2. Description of the Prior Art As more particularly pointed out in the previously identified US. Pat. application Ser. No. 51,219, it is customary in the construction of comparatively large expanses of concrete to provide artificial joints to enable expansion and contraction of the concrete to occur without random cracking. Various methods and apparatus to form such joints have been proposed in the prior art. Although the consolidating and smoothing means of the present invention is adapted for use in combination with many of these, it is particularly adapted for association with inserter apparatus of the type disclosed in said patent application Ser. No. 51,219. That type of inserter apparatus is operative to embed an elongated strip of joint material in the plastic concrete so that the resulting weakened plane joint effects cracking of the concrete along the weakened plane as the concrete contracts during curing and hardening. The apparatus is adapted to embed various types of joint strip material, including strip material having a cruciform cross section, as well as strip material in the form of a ribbon or band of relatively thin plastic material which is vertically oriented in the concrete to provide the weakened plane. The first type of joint strip provides an integral means for water sealing of the joint, while the ribbon or band is effective only to provide a weakened plane. As will become apparent, the present invention is adapted for use during the insertion of these two types of joint strip material, as well as during the insertion of joint strip material of various other configurations.

The inserter apparatus of the referenced patent application is normally operated a short distance behind the usual paving equipment to insert joint strip transversely of the expanse of concrete, such as in the case of a highway or the like. However, the inserter means of the apparatus could be associated with or be directly mounted to the paving equipment itself to provide longitudinal joints. The present consolidating and smoothing means is also useful in such an application.

Regardless of how the consolidating and smoothing means is used, whether for transverse or longitudinal joint installations, it must be capable of performing its function at a rate of speed such that the inserter apparatus can keep up with the paving equipment which lays the concrete slab. Otherwise, the joint insertion operation slows the whole paving job.

In the prior art, the rate of movement of the inserter apparatus over the expanse of plastic concrete was limited by the capability of the inserter apparatus to consolidate and smooth the plastic concrete about the embedded joint strip. Concrete consolidation is a complex operation depending upon factors which include the stiffness of the concrete mixture, the speed of travel of the inserter means, the size or bulk of the cross section of the joint insert material to be embedded, the character of the concrete formulation, and the depth of which the joint insert material is to be embedded. Heretofore when poor consolidation was experienced, the usual consolidating and smoothing pan behind the insertion means was either more forcibly pressed downwardly in an attempt to compress the plastic concrete about the embedded joint strip, leaving an unsightly depression in the concrete, or stronger vibration was employed. The stronger vibration tended to cause the concrete to become more fluid so that the pan often undesirably sank into the concrete. Furthermore, where the inserter apparatus was used on a sloping surface such as the wall of an irrigation canal or the like, the strongly vibrated concrete would simply flow downhill. This causes a hump or bulge below the insertion area which had to be smoothed out by hand. In summary, it was often difficult and sometimes impossible to employ adequate vibration for good consolidation, without having the smoothing pan sink into the concrete or without having the concrete flow down sloping surfaces. Even if the delicate balance between proper vibration and proper smoothing were struck, the stiffness of the concrete, the environmental temperature, and the character of the concrete formulation are often enough difierent from day to day that constant and close attention are required to achieve good consolidation and smoothing.

In the inserter apparatus of the prior art a control or sensor means is normally coupled between the inserter apparatus and the smoothing pan to adjust the height of the inserter means according to the height of the smoothing pan. This delicate sensor means prematurely failed and wore out because the smoothing pan was vibrated to achieve good consolidation.

Another problem encountered in the prior art was the tendency of the consolidating or smoothing pan to push or shove a quantity of plastic concrete ahead of itself in snow plow fashion. In a transverse joint installation this caused a quantity of concrete to be displaced from the slab at the beginning of the installation, and dumped at the termination of the installation. Consequently, the displaced concrete had to be replaced by hand, while at the opposite side of the installation the excess concrete had to be removed. In addition, the snow plow movement of the smoothing pan in a transverse joint installation causes any previously embedded longitudinal joint strips to be laid over, ruining their effectiveness and encouraging subsequent spalling of the cured concrete.

SUMMARY The present concrete consolidating and smoothing means is adapted for use in combination with inserter apparatus of the type which is movable over an expanse of plastic concrete and which includes inserter means to embed an elongated strip of joint material in the concrete at a predetermined depth. The consolidating and smoothing means comprises pas means carried by the inserter apparatus and including a first pan adapted to ride upon the surface of the concrete behind the inserter means, and a second pan having a trailing portion adapted to ride upon the surface of the concrete in trailing relation to the first pan for smoothing the concrete surface. Vibration means are coupled to the first pan for vibrating the concrete to consolidate the concrete about the embedded strip, with the rate of vibration of the inserter means and the first pan being adjustable so that concrete consolidation is conformable to the stifiness and character of the concrete, the rate of movement of the inserter apparatus, the depth of which the insert is to be embedded, and other factors affecting the insertion operation.

The second pan preferably includes a pair of lateral portions on opposite sides of the first pan to entrap substantially fluid concrete which might otherwise tlow laterally away from the first pan during heavy vibration of the concrete, particularly on a sloping surface. The second pan also is preferably mounted to the first pan, by means of vibration isolating means, whereby vibration of the first pan is substantially isolated from the second pan so that the second pan can be coupled to the control means for adjusting the height of the inserter means. With this arrangement the sensitive, comparatively fragile control means is not subjected to the strong vibration associated with the consolidation of the concrete.

By utilizing separate first and second pans, the first pan, and preferably also the inserter means, can be vibrated at a rate and amplitude sufficient to effect good consolidation of even the stiffest concrete without affecting the comparatively lighter contact required of the second pan to effect a good finish on the concrete surface overlying the embedded joint strip.

Vibration of the first pan is unique in that the first pan is moved upwardly andforwardly, relative to the direction of travel of the first pan, so that the first pan advances in a stepwise or creeping manner compared to the prior art dragging and sliding of the pan upon the concrete surface. As a consequence the pan tends to ride up and over the concrete, pressing it downwardly and rearwardly and avoiding a mass of accumulated concrete ahead of the pan. This also tends to eliminate any bending over of previously embedded joints strips lying in the path of the first pan.

Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a perspective view of joint inserter apparatus embodying the concrete consolidating and smoothing means of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating the present consolidating and smoothing means and the associated inserter means of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a view taken along the line 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a front end elevational view of the consolidating and smoothing means of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged view taken along the line 6-6 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is en enlarged view taken along the line 77 of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 is a view taken along the line 8--8 of FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1 through 3, there is illustrated an inserter apparatus 10 movable over an expanse of freshly laid or plastic concrete which is generally indicated by the numeral 12. As more particularly described in the previously identified US. Pat. application Ser. No. 51,219, the inserter apparatus 10 is adapted to insert an elongated ribbon, band, or strip 14 transversely of the expanse of concrete 12. The concrete 12 may form a highway or the like, and the fresh concrete is normally laid by paving equipment (not shown) working on the installation ahead of the inserter apparatus 10.

The inserter apparatus 10 comprises, generally, an elongated frame 16 adapted for orientation transversely of the slab or expanse of concrete 12, including channels, angles, and reinforcing structure for the support of usual motors, generators, operating controls, joint strip storage reels, and the like, all as more particularly set forth in said patent application Ser. No. 51,219. For brevity, details of the construction of the frame 16 are omitted.

The frame 16 includes a pair of elongated channels 18 which run the length of the frame and which include downwardly opening slots (not shown) through which are mounted the wheels (not shown) of a cart generally indicated by the numeral 20. The cart 20 comprises a generally rectangular framework coupled to the wheels which move within the channels 18. As will be seen, the cart 20 moves or advances to the left, as viewed in FIG. I, when the joint strip 14 is being embedded in the concrete 12. The cart 20 includes a pair of depending, vertically oriented elements 22, one of which is illustrated in FIG. 2, which are attached to the left end of the rectangular framework of the cart 20. These elements 22 pivotally support an insertion apparatus or means 24.

More particularly, the insertion means 24 comprises a generally rectangular inserter frame 26 formed by a pair of elongated, spaced apart side members 28 connected together by a pair of forward and rearward end members 30. The inserter frame 26 also includes a pair of vertically oriented uprights 32 which are welded at their lower ends to the side members 28 intermediate the ends of the members 28.

A parallelogram arrangement is provided to pivotally support the inserter frame 26 from the cart 20. This takes the form of a pair of diagonally oriented, parallel arms 34 at each side of the inserter frame 26. The right or rearward ends of each pair of arms 34 are pivotally connected to the upper and lower ends, respectively, of one of the uprights 32 of the inserter frame 26, while the left or forward ends of the arms 34 are pivotally connected to the upper and lower ends of one of the vertical elements 22 of the cart 20, a best viewed in FIG. 2.

Raising and lowering of the inserter frame 26 is accomplished by a hydraulic piston-cylinder 36 connected between the inserter frame 26 and the cart 20. Operation of this pistoncylinder 36 is controlled by suitable apparatus (now shown) located on the main frame 16 and responsive to sensor or control means associated with the insertion means'-24, as will be seen.

The insertion means 24 includes a pair of rotating discs or wheels 38 which grasp and pull upon the joint strip 14 to positively feed the strip 14 into the concrete 12. An apparatus utilizing a similar pair of wheels 38 is described in detail in US. Pat. No. 3,478,655, issued Nov. 18, 1969. Reference is made to that patent for a more complete description of the structure thereof. However, in general, the pair of wheels 38 are rotatably carried upon a transversely oriented shaft 40 which is bent or deformed to define a pair of axes which are oppositely inclined relative to a horizontal axis, thereby orienting the inner surfaces of the wheels 38 in downwardly convergent relation to locate the lower peripheries thereof in closer proximity than the upper peripheries thereof. The proximity of the lower peripheries of the wheels 38 causes them to engage, grip, and release the joint strip 14 during rotation of the wheels 38 in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2.

The opposite ends of the shaft 40 carrying the wheels 38 are rigidly secured to the opposite side members 28 of the inserter frame 26. On the outer side of each wheel 38 a drive chain 42 is trained about a sprocket 44 secured to the wheel. The other end of the chain 42 is trained about a sprocket 46 carried by a shaft 48 which is suitably rotatably mounted to the inserter frame 26, as best viewed in FIG. 2. The shaft 48 also carries another sprocket 50, which drives a chain 52 for rotation of the sprocket on the outside of the other wheel 38, as will be apparent.

Yet another sprocket 54 is mounted on the shaft 48, and this sprocket is coupled by a chain 56 to a sprocket 58 carried by a shaft forming a part of a drive means 60 which includes a chain and sprocket system, generally indicated by the numeral 62 in FIG. 2, which in turn is coupled to a suitable drive motor (not shown). By operation of the drive motor, through the assembly 62, the wheels 38 are driven to pull the strip 14 through an elongated inserter tube 64.

The means for mounting the inserter tube 64 to the inserter frame 26 includes a channel 66 welded to the underside of the inserter frame 26, as best viewed in FIG. 3. A generally rectangular plate 68 is mounted to the underside of the channel 66 by means of a plurality of nut and bolt assemblies 70 which each includes upper elements to isolate the channel 66 from vibration of the plate 68. The plate 68 is vibrated by an elongated stinger type of vibrator 72 which is attached to the plate 68. The vibrator 72 is one which preferably includes an internal shaft mounting one or more weights carried eccentrically so that the stinger 72 vibrates as the shaft carrying the weights is rotated. The shaft is coupled to a drive motor (not shown) which is a series or universal type of motor adapted to vary the rate of rotation of the drive shaft for the vibrator 72 so that the rate of vibration can be varied according to the degree of consolidation desired, which in turn depends upon the parameters previously discussed, and particularly including the stiffness of the concrete 12. The shaft may vibrate anywhere from 2,500 to 10,000 R.P.M., although this recitation of a range is not intended to be limiting.

The inserter tube 64 is welded to plate 68, and is inclined with respect to the surface of the concrete 12 so as to accept the joint strip 14 at its open forward end above the concrete, while discharging the strip 14 at its rearward end beneath the surface of the concrete 12, and at a predetermined depth, as will be seen.

The inserter tube 64 is a hollow, elongated element having an interior passage which defines a cross section generally corresponding to the cross section of the joint strip 14 to be inserted, in this case a flat band or ribbon. The cross section is made large enough to permit the strip 14 to slide easily therethrough. The tube 64 also includes a toothed blade 74 attached to its underside for cutting any previously embedded joint strip which may lay in the path of the traveling cart and its insertion means 24.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the tube 64 includes an opening in its rearward extremity about which a rubber skirt 76 is arranged in sealing relation so that the converging lower peripheries of the wheels 38 are enabled to grasp the joint strip 14 and pull it through the tube 64, without having any of the concrete 12 pass into the opening.

The rearward or trailing extremity of the inserter frame 26 pivotally mounts a concrete consolidating and smoothing means 78 according to the present invention. The means or apparatus 78 comprises pan means which includes a central or inner gathering and consolidating pan 80 having a V-shaped leading edge which is inclined upwardly and forwardly, that is toward the direction of travel of the cart 20 during an insertion operation, to form an inclined ramp 82. The sides of the consolidating or inner pan 80 are generally straight, while the trailing edge of the pan 80 is characterized by a V-shaped configuration generally corresponding to the V-shape of the ramp 82.

The inner pan 80 crowds loose or available grout on the surface of the disrupted concrete into which the joint strip 14 has been disposed, moves it into the disrupted channel, and consolidates it down and about the inserted strip 14. The pan 80 is relatively strongly vibrated by an electric vibrator 84 which is of the same stinger type as the vibrator 72 previously described for vibrating the inserter tube 64. The vibrator 84 is arranged transversely of the pan 80, that is transversely of the direction of travel of the pan 80, so that the shaft mounting the eccentric weights is rotatable about an axis which is transversely of the path of travel of the pan 80. The rate of vibration of the eccentric shaft of the vibrator 84 can be varied by varying the rate of rotation of the drive motor (not shown) which is coupled to the vibrator 84 by the drive cable 86, as best seen in FIG. 5.

The vibrator 84 is rigidly secured to the pan 80 by means of a channel 88, the legs of the channel 88 being welded to the opposite side portions of the pan 80, and the vibrator 84 being attached to the channel 88 by a pair of coupling bands 90.

Rotation of the eccentric shaft of the vibrator 84, as seen in FIG. 3, is counterclockwise so that the action on the pan 80 is a corresponding counterclockwise vibrational movement, which tends to cause the pan 80 to move in a stepwise, incremental creeping fashion. The eccentric weight is thus moving in the direction of travel of the pan 80 when the eccentric weight is located in its uppermost position above its axis of rotation. That is, it is theorized that for each rotation of the eccentric shaft, the pan 80 is moved upwardly and forwardly, that is in the direction of movement of the pan 80, whereby the pan 80 ridesup and over any accumulated concrete beneath the ramp 82, and then the movement of the pan 80 is in a downward and rearward direction. Thus, at the conclusion of the exemplary rotation of the eccentric shaft, the pan 80 is moving downwardly and rearwardly upon impact with the concrete surface. This provides the desirable result of minimizing the accumulation of grout or concrete beneath the ramp 82 of the pan whereby little or no concrete is displaced at the beginning of the installation operation, and very little concrete is accumulated for dumping at the completion of the installation operation. Moreover, as previously adverted to, the stepwise movement of the pan 80 in the manner described substantially eliminates the previous tendency of a consolidating or like pan to bend over any previously embedded joint strips lying in the path of the moving pan. Instead, the pan avoids this bending over, apparently because of the incremental creeping action of the pan. This feature eliminates a considerable amount of hand work and retouching of the concrete surface after an installation operation, and also substantially eliminates laying over of previously embedded joint strips. As will be apparent, the variable vibration characterizing the vibrator 84 enables the vibration to be increased to improve concrete consolidation whenever this is necessary, as when the batch of concrete is extraordinarily stifi or hard to work.

Although the inner pan 80 could be supported by the inserter frame 26, for example, it is preferably supported by a smoothing or outer pan 92. As best seen in FIGS. 4, 5, 7 and 8, the opposite legs of the channel 88 of the pan 80 each mount an outwardly projecting, horizontally oriented bracket 94 having openings for the reception of a plurality of connecting nut and bolt assemblies 96. The bolts of the assemblies 96 extend through the pair of brackets 94 and through the side edges of a pair of elongated, generally rectangular blocks 98 of elastomeric material such as rubber or the like. The rubber of the blocks 98 is sufficiently stiff that it is adapted to support the inner pan 80 upon the outer pan 92. It also serves as a vibration isolation means so that the vibration of the inner pan 80 is substantially completely isolated from the outer pan 92.

The inner extremities of the blocks 98 are held in position against the brackets 94 by complemental plates 100 disposed beneath the inner edges of the blocks 98, and through which the nuts of the assemblies 96 are then tightened to secure the plates 100 in position. The opposite side or outer edges of the blocks 98 are similarly mounted to the adjacent portions of the outer pan 92.

In this regard, the outer pan 92 is generally U-shape in configuration, including a trailing portion 102 located behind the inner pan 80 and characterized by an inclined or upturned ramp 104 arranged in a V-shape configuration complemental to the adjacent V-shape trailing edge of the inner pan 80. The outer pan 92 also includes a pair of spaced apart lateral portions 106 located on opposite sides of the inner pan 80 and extending forwardly thereof, as best illustrated in FIG. 4. The trailing'portion 102 and lateral portions 106 are integral and have a common trailing edge which is generally flat to provide a smooth finish on the surface of the concrete. In contrast, the forwardor leading edge of each of the lateral portions 106 tapers inwardly in a rearward direction to form a continuation of the V-shape of the ramp 82 of the inner pan 80. The leading edges of the lateral portions 106 include inclined or upturned portions or ramps 108 similar to the ramp 82 of the inner pan 80.

The outer pan 92 is strengthened against bending and buckling by longitudinally oriented, upstanding stiffeners 1 10, each of which extends rearwardly from the inner terminus of one of the ramps 108. The stiffeners 1 10, together with the ramp 104 of the trailing portion 102 of the outer pan 92 define the inner space within which the inner pan 80 is located. A lateral stiffener 112 extends along the rear edge of the outer pan 92 and is welded to the rearward ends of the longitudinally oriented stiffeners 1 10.

The pair of stiffeners each mounts a right angular bracket 114 by means of a plurality of nut and bolt assemblies 116. As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 8, the threaded shaft of the bolt of each assembly 116 extends through a vertically elongated slot 1 18 provided in the upstanding leg of the associated bracket 114 so that the vertical position of the inner pan 80 may be adjusted relative to the outer pan 92. The adjustable relationship of the brackets 114 can also be utilized to adjust the angle of inclination or attack of the undersurface of the inner pan 80 relative to the surface of the concrete 12.

The outer edges of the rubber blocks 98 are secured to the brackets 114 by means of nut and bolt assemblies 120, the bolts thereof extending through the horizontal portions of the brackets 114, through suitable openings in the blocks 98, and through plates 122 disposed against the underside of the blocks 98, as best illustrated in FIG. 8. The outer pan is pivotally connected to the inserter frame 26 by two pairs of elongated arms 124. The upper ends of each of the anns 124 are pivotally secured to the side members 28 of the inserter frame 26, while the lower ends of the arms 124 are pivotally mounted to the longitudinally extending stiffeners 110 of the outer pan 92, as best illustrated in FIG. 2.

In operation, the weight of the outer pan 92 presses against the concrete surface to provide a smoothing action. The degree to which said weight presses against the concrete is controlled by a pair of tension springs 126 which are connected at their lower extremities to the longitudinal stiffeners 110, respectively, and at their upper extremities to the rearwardly projecting portions of a pair of L-shape supports 128 which are welded to the opposite extremities of the rearward end members 30 of the inserter frame 26. Thus, although the pan rests upon the upper surface of the concrete 12 during operation of the present system, the springs 126 support the pan 92 when the inserter frame 26 is raised. The eyebolts to which the upper extremities of the springs 126 are attached are threadably disposed through the supports 128 so that the tension of the springs 126 is adjustable. This permits adjustment of the force with which the pan 92, and the associated inner pan 80, press against the surface of the concrete 12.

A pair of chains 130 are also connected between the supports 128 and the outer pan 92 and act as snubbers to prevent undue stretching of the springs 126, such as might occur if a workman inadvertently stepped on the pan 92.

The outer pan 92 also functions as a sensor to sense the height of the concrete 12 relative to the inserter frame 26 so that, for example, if the pan 92 is riding too high, a control means, as will be seen, is operated to actuate the pistoncylinder 36 and lower the inserter frame 26 to correct the condition. Conversely, the frame 26 would be raised in the event that the pan 92 was riding too low. In this regard, a pair of transversely disposed, vertically oriented stiffener plates are bolted to the lateral portions 106, and a tubular brace 134 is welded at its opposite extremities to the upper extremity of each of the plates 132. The brace 134 bridges the space within which the inner pan 80 is disposed, and a vertically oriented support channel 136 is welded at its lower extremity to the brace 134, as best shown in FIG. 6.

The side portions of the channel 136 form guides for a complemental plate 138 which is vertically movable against the forward face of the channel 136, as best illustrated in FIG. 6. The plate 138 includes an integral nut 140 into which is threaded a bolt 142 disposed through an elongated slot 144 in the channel 136. This permits vertical adjustment of the position of the plate 138, and consequently the inserter frame 26, relative to the outer pan 92.

The upper extremity of the plate 138 is welded to a horizontally oriented sensor plate 146. The upper surface of the sensor plate 146 is engaged by a valve plunger 148 which forms a part of a hydraulic valve 150, as best viewed in FIGS. 3 and 6. The valve 150 is fixed to the inserter frame 26 by means of a vertically oriented post 152 which is welded at its lower end to the frame rearward end member 30. Movement of the valve plunger 148 occasioned by vertical movement of the outer pan 92 operates the hydraulic valve 150. This controls the operation of the piston-cylinder 36 for raising and lowering the inserter frame 26 and its inserter tube 64. Thus, the height of the pan 92 relative to the concrete 12 establishes the depth of insertion of the joint strip 14.

Since the hydraulic valve 150 is coupled to the essentially non-vibrating outer pan 92, wear and premature failure of the valve 150 are greatly reduced. Moreover, by virtue of the isolation of the strongly vibrated inner pan from the outer pan 92, the inner pan 80 is adapted to provide excellent consolidation of the concrete about the embedded joint strip 14 and yet the outer pan 92 need only lightly press against the concrete surface with a force sufficient to provide a good finish.

The lateral portions 106 of the outer pan 92 entrap and contain any fluid surface concrete resulting from the strong vibration of the inner pan 80. Consequently, such concrete cannot escape the smoothing action of the outer pan 92. This is particularly advantageous where the installation operation is on a sloping surface such as on the side wall of a canal or the like.

The force which the inner pan 80 exerts upon the concrete surface can be made greater than that exerted by the outer pan 92 by loosening the nut and bolt assemblies 1 16 and lowering the pan 80 relative to the outer pan 92. This, together with the high rate of vibration of the vibrators 84 and 72 associated with the pan 80 and inserter tube 64, respectively, provides concrete consolidation at a rate sufficient to keep up with the speed of operation of any accompanying paving equipment.

The stepwise advance or creeping action of the inner pan 80 previously described is best accomplished by using an arrangement of eccentrically mounted weights carried on a shaft located within the vibrator 84 and disposed transversely of the path of travel of the pan 80. However, the desired upward and forward, and subsequent downward and rearward movement of the pan 80 could also be provided by other types of vibrators if desired, such as by using a vibrator having weights which reciprocate along an axis which is forwardly inclined relative to the pan 80 at an angle of approximately 45 to 60 to the concrete surface.

In operation of the inserter apparatus 10, the inserter frame 26 is first lowered by the operator until the rearward or trailing extremity of the inserter tube 64 is located beneath the surface of the concrete 12. At this point the drive means for the cart 20 is operated to move the cart to the left, as viewed in FIG. 1, and the joint strip 14 is grasped and urged out of the tube 64 by the action of the pair of discs or wheels 38.

Concrete disrupted by movement of the inserter tube 64 is first engaged by the V-shape ramp 82 of the inner pan 80. The ramps 108 of the outer pan 92 also collect loose or fluid surface grout or concrete and urge it inwardly and rearwardly toward the pan 80. The pan 80 further gathers and presses downwardly upon the collected concrete and this, together with the accompanying relatively strong vibration of the pan 80 by the vibrator 84 effects good consolidation of the concrete about the embedded joint strip 14. The relatively violent agitation of the plastic concrete by the pan 80 does not generally provide a good surface finish on the concrete, but the trailing outer pan 92 gathers and smooths any grout flowing rearwardly from the inner pan 80 and smooths the surface sufficiently to provide an excellent finish, substantially eliminating any necessity for later hand finishing.

Movement of the cart 20 over the concrete 12 is continued to the opposite edge of the concrete expanse, at which time the inserter frame 26 is raised for a return movement to repeat the cycle a predetermined distance farther down the slab, as more particularly described in the previously identified patent application Ser. No. 5 1,219.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present consolidating and smoothing means is uniquely adapted to effect good consolidation of plastic concrete about a joint strip embedded by an inserter apparatus of the type described, as well as similar types of apparatus. The inner or vibrating pan of the consolidating and smoothing means is relatively highly vibrated to provide good concrete consolidation. However, this vibration is isolated from the outer or smoothing pan so that only a relatively light force upon the concrete by the outer pan provides a smooth, finished surface. Moreover, since the control means for adjusting the height of the inserter tube is coupled to the substantially non-vibrating outer pan, the service life of the control means is greatly extended.

Since the outer pan surrounds the inner pan on three sides, any relatively fluid concrete is captured and prevented from escaping the smoothing area, which is particularly important on sloping surfaces.

The character of vibration of the inner pan is a particularly unique feature of the invention in that the inner pan tends to ride up and press down upon the concrete to achieve concrete consolidation, in contrast to the prior art practice of pushing a mass of concrete ahead of the pan. This reduces drag, speeds consolidation, and eliminates bending over of previously embedded joint strips in the path of the insertion equipment.

The variable vibration rates of the vibrators on the inner pan and on the inserter tube enable adaption of the system to variations in the character of the installation equipment, the environment, and the concrete itself. Various modifications and changes may be made with regard to the foregoing detailed description without departing from the spirit of the invention.

lclaim:

1. In combination with inserter apparatus movable over an expanse of plastic concrete and including inserter means to embed an elongated strip of joint material in the concrete at a predetermined depth, an improved consolidating and smoothing means for consolidating concrete about the embedded strip and smoothing the concrete surface above the embedded strip, said consolidating and smoothing means comprising:

pan means carried by said inserter apparatus and including a first pan adapted to ride upon the surface of said concrete in trailing relation to said inserter means, and further including a second pan having a trailing portion adapted to ride upon the surface of said concrete in trailing relation to said first pan for smoothing the concrete surface;

vibration means coupled to said first pan for vibrating the concrete to consolidate the concrete about the embedded strip, the rate of vibration of said vibration means being adjustable; and

control means coupled between said inserter apparatus and said second pan and including a portion responsive to the vertical position of said second pan for raising and lowering said inserter means in correspondence with said vertical position.

2. in combination with inserter apparatus movable over an expanse of plastic concrete and including inserter means to embed an elongated strip of joint material in the concrete at a predetermined depth, an smoothing means for consolidating concrete about the embedded strip and smoothing the concrete surface above the embedded strip, said consolidating and smoothing means comprising:

a first pan having a rearwardly convergent V-shape leading edge and a substantially flat undersurface adapted to ride upon the surface of said concrete in trailing relation to said inserter means;

a second pan having a trailing portion adapted to ride upon the surface of said concrete in trailing relation to said first pan for smoothing the concrete surface said second pan further having spaced apart lateral portions adapted to ride upon the surface of said concrete on opposite sides of said first pan, the leading edges of said lateral portions being diagonally oriented and comprising laterally and forwardly projected extensions of said V-shape leading edge of saidfirst pan whereby any disrupted concrete adimproved consolidating and is substantially isolated from said second pan, and whereby the height of said first pan is determined by the height of said second pan.

3. A consolidating and smoothing means according to claim 2 and including control means coupled between said inserter apparatus and said second pen and including a portion responsive to the vertical position of said second pan for raising and lowering said inserter means in correspondence with said vertical position.

4. In combination with inserter apparatus movable over an expanse of plastic concrete and including inserter means to embed an elongated strip of joint material in the concrete at a predetermined depth, an improved consolidating and smoothing means for consolidating concrete about the embedded strip and smoothing the concrete surface above the embedded strip, said consolidating and smoothing means comprising:

pan means carried by said inserter apparatus and including a first pan having a substantially fiat undersurface adapted to ride upon the surface of said concrete in trailing relation to said inserter means, and further including a second pan having a trailing portion adapted to ride upon the surface of said concrete in trailing relation to said first pan for smoothing the concrete surface; and

vibration means coupled to said first pan for vibrating the concrete to consolidate the concrete about the embedded strip, the rate of vibration of said vibration means being adjustable, said vibration means including a mass movable cyclically between an uppermost position above said first pan, and a lowermost position closer to said pan, said mass being movable generally toward said direction of travel in said uppermost position, and generally away from said direction of travel in said lowermost position.

5. A consolidating and smoothing means according to claim 4 wherein said mass comprises a mass eccentrically mounted upon a shaft coupled to said first pan for rotation about an axis disposed transversely of the direction of movement of said inserter means, the direction of said rotation being such that in the lower arc of said rotation said mass is moving generally downwardly and opposite the direction of movement of said inserter means.

6. A consolidating and smoothing means according to claim 4 and wherein said mass comprises an eccentric weight rotatable about an axis disposed transversely of the direction of travel of said first pan, and wherein said uppermost position is located above said axis and said lowermost position is located below said axis.

7. A consolidating and smoothing means according to claim 4 and including vibration isolation means mounting said first pan to said second pan whereby said second pan is substan: tially unaffected by the vibration of said first pan.

8. A consolidating and smoothing means according to claim 4 and including mounting means pivotally connecting said second pan to said inserterapparatuswhereby said pan means is carried by said inserter apparatus. 

1. In combination with inserter apparatus movable over an expanse of plastic concrete and including inserter means to embed an elongated strip of joint material in the concrete at a predetermined depth, an improved consolidating and smoothing means for consolidating concrete about the embedded strip and smoothing the concrete surface above the embedded strip, said consolidating and smoothing means comprising: pan means carried by said inserter apparatus and including a first pan adapted to ride upon the surface of said concrete in trailing relation to said inserter means, and further including a second pan having a trailing portion adapted to ride upon the surface of said concrete in trailing relation to said first pan for smoothing the concrete surface; vibration means coupled to said first pan for vibrating the concrete to consolidate the concrete about the embedded strip, the rate of vibration of said vibration means being adjustable; and control means coupled between said inserter apparatus and said second pan and including a portion responsive to the vertical position of said second pan for raising and lowering said inserter means in correspondence with said vertical position.
 2. In combination with inserter apparatus movable over an expanse of plastic concrete and including inserter means to embed an elongated strip of joint material in the concrete at a predetermined depth, an improved consolidating and smoothing means for consolidating concrete about the embedded strip and smoothing the concrete surface above the embedded strip, said consolidating and smoothing means comprising: a first pan having a rearwardly convergent V-shape leading edge and a substantially flat undersurface adapted to ride upon the surface of said concrete in trailing relation to said inserter means; a second pan having a trailing portion adapted to ride upon the surface of said concrete in trailing relation to said first pan for smoothing the concrete surface said second pan further having spaced apart lateral portions adapted to ride upon the surface of said concrete on opposite sides of said first pan, the leading edges of said lateral portions being diagonally oriented and comprising laterally and forwardly projected extensions of said V-shape leading edge of said first pan whereby any disrupted concrete adjacent said lateral portions is captured and channeled inwardly and rearwardly toward said pan and said trailing portion of said second pan; vibration means coupled to said First pan for vibrating the concrete to consolidate the concrete about the embedded strip; and elastomeric means coupling and supporting said first pan upon said second pan whereby vibration of said first pan is substantially isolated from said second pan, and whereby the height of said first pan is determined by the height of said second pan.
 3. A consolidating and smoothing means according to claim 2 and including control means coupled between said inserter apparatus and said second pen and including a portion responsive to the vertical position of said second pan for raising and lowering said inserter means in correspondence with said vertical position.
 4. In combination with inserter apparatus movable over an expanse of plastic concrete and including inserter means to embed an elongated strip of joint material in the concrete at a predetermined depth, an improved consolidating and smoothing means for consolidating concrete about the embedded strip and smoothing the concrete surface above the embedded strip, said consolidating and smoothing means comprising: pan means carried by said inserter apparatus and including a first pan having a substantially flat undersurface adapted to ride upon the surface of said concrete in trailing relation to said inserter means, and further including a second pan having a trailing portion adapted to ride upon the surface of said concrete in trailing relation to said first pan for smoothing the concrete surface; and vibration means coupled to said first pan for vibrating the concrete to consolidate the concrete about the embedded strip, the rate of vibration of said vibration means being adjustable, said vibration means including a mass movable cyclically between an uppermost position above said first pan, and a lowermost position closer to said pan, said mass being movable generally toward said direction of travel in said uppermost position, and generally away from said direction of travel in said lowermost position.
 5. A consolidating and smoothing means according to claim 4 wherein said mass comprises a mass eccentrically mounted upon a shaft coupled to said first pan for rotation about an axis disposed transversely of the direction of movement of said inserter means, the direction of said rotation being such that in the lower arc of said rotation said mass is moving generally downwardly and opposite the direction of movement of said inserter means.
 6. A consolidating and smoothing means according to claim 4 and wherein said mass comprises an eccentric weight rotatable about an axis disposed transversely of the direction of travel of said first pan, and wherein said uppermost position is located above said axis and said lowermost position is located below said axis.
 7. A consolidating and smoothing means according to claim 4 and including vibration isolation means mounting said first pan to said second pan whereby said second pan is substantially unaffected by the vibration of said first pan.
 8. A consolidating and smoothing means according to claim 4 and including mounting means pivotally connecting said second pan to said inserter apparatus whereby said pan means is carried by said inserter apparatus. 